Convertible infant rocker

ABSTRACT

A convertible infant rocker which is adapted for use with a conventional infant/child car seat. The infant rocker includes a frame which is placeable onto an underlying support surface, and includes a support assembly connected thereto. The support assembly itself includes a cradle which defines a cradle cavity. In addition to the cradle, the support assembly includes a liner which is selectively placeable into the cradle cavity and engageable to the cradle, the liner itself being sized and configured to accommodate an infant. The infant rocker is selectively convertible between a liner configuration and a car seat configuration. In the liner configuration, the liner is cooperatively engaged to the cradle, with a portion of the liner being received within the cradle cavity. In the car seat configuration, the liner is disengaged and removed from the cradle, thus allowing for the cradle to accommodate a conventional infant car seat in which the infant may be positioned. In this regard, the cradle cavity is sized and configured to receive and accommodate at least a portion of the car seat when the car seat is cooperatively engaged to the cradle. The frame of the infant rocker may be configured so as to be selectively moveable between a deployed or extended position, and a collapsed or storage position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to juvenile products and, moreparticularly, to an infant rocker configured to entertain and/or soothean infant held therein by providing an entertaining rocking motion aloneor in combination with a bouncing motion. The infant rocker of thepresent invention is specifically adapted to selectively accommodate aninfant support structure such as a car seat, and is uniquely configuredto be movable between deployed and collapsed states with a minimalamount of time and effort.

2. Description of the Related Art

Infant rockers are well known by parents and persons involved in childcare as being effective devices for the entertainment of infants.Various different types of infant rockers exist, with the rockers ingeneral including a seat for receiving an infant and a frame. The seatis connected to the frame which is configured to impart a soothingrocking or swaying motion to the seat in response to movement of theinfant, or in response to a light push by a parent or other childcaregiver. In some prior art rockers, the frame is also configured tovibrate or bounce in response to the movement of the infant.

However, one deficiency of existing rockers is that they are not wellsuited structurally to being quickly and easily moved between acollapsed state for storage or transport, and a deployed state for usewith the infant. Another deficiency with existing infant rockers havingframes outfitted with bouncing capability is that the degree or level ofbounce which the frame may undergo is not selectively adjustable basedon the size and weight of the infant within the seat of the rocker. Inthis regard, an infant of greater size and weight may cause an excessivelevel of bounce or vibration within the frame arising from even subtlemovements, whereas an infant of comparatively reduced size and weightmay not be able to impart virtually any bounce or vibration within theframe even with more drastic movements.

Another deficiency of existing rockers is that they are incapable ofaccommodating a support structure such as a car seat in which the infantmay already be positioned. In this regard, the configuration of existingrockers typically requires that a sleeping infant be removed from a carseat in which the infant may already be positioned, and placed into theseat of the rockers. As will be recognized, this transfer process maydisturb the infant to a point at which he or she is awakened.Additionally, if the infant is to be returned to the car seat in arelatively short period of time, the transfer process must be repeated.

Based on the foregoing, there exists a need in the art for an infantrocker which is specifically adapted to accommodate an infant supportstructure, and more particularly, a car seat, thus addressing thedrawbacks highlighted above in relation to the transfer of an infantback and forth between a car seat and a bouncer. There further exists aneed in the prior art for an infant rocker which is uniquely configuredto be movable between deployed and collapsed states with a minimalamount of time and effort, and may be outfitted with a mechanism adaptedto allow the level of bounce or vibration within the frame of the rockerto be selectively adjustable based on the size and weight of the infantwithin the seat thereof. The present invention addresses theseparticular needs, as will be discussed in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates theabove-identified deficiencies in the art. More particularly, inaccordance with the present invention, there is provided variousembodiments of an infant rocker which is adapted for optional use with aconventional infant/child car seat. In each embodiment, the infantrocker includes a frame which is placeable onto an underlying supportsurface, and includes a support assembly connected thereto. The supportassembly itself includes a cradle which defines a cradle cavity. Inaddition to the cradle, the support assembly includes a liner which isselectively placeable into the cradle cavity and engageable to thecradle, the liner itself being sized and configured to accommodate aninfant. Advantageously, the infant rocker is selectively convertiblebetween a liner configuration and a car seat configuration. In the linerconfiguration, the liner is cooperatively engaged to the cradle, with aportion of the liner being received within the cradle cavity. In the carseat configuration, the liner is disengaged and removed from the cradle,thus allowing for the cradle to accommodate a conventional infant carseat in which the infant may be positioned. In this regard, the cradlecavity is sized and configured to receive and accommodate at least aportion of the car seat when the car seat is cooperatively engaged tothe cradle.

In certain embodiments of the rocker, an adjustment mechanism may beintegrated into the frame and operative to allow for the selectiveadjustment of the bounce or vibration of one portion of the frame (andhence the cradle) relative to another portion thereof. Moreparticularly, the infant rocker may be adapted to allow for theadjustment of the level of bounce or vibration which the frame mayundergo, such adjustment being based on the size and weight of theinfant placed into either the liner or car seat within the cradle. Asindicated above, the rocker of the present invention may be selectively“converted” as may be needed to avoid disturbing the infant by allowingthe infant to remain in a car seat which is placeable into the cradle ofthe rocker subsequent to the removal of the existing liner from therein.Additionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the frame ofthe infant rocker may be configured so as to be selectively moveablebetween a deployed or extended position, and a collapsed or storageposition.

The present invention is best understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other features of the present invention will becomemore apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of an infant rocker constructedin accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1A is a partial cross-sectional view of the rocker shown in FIG. 1taken along line 1A-1A thereof;

FIG. 2 is a partial side-elevational view of the frame of the rockershown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the rocker shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rocker shown in FIG. 1, butdepicting a car seat in phantom which may be substituted for a linercomponent of the bouncer;

FIG. 5 is a top, front perspective view of an infant rocker constructedin accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top, front perspective view of the rocker shown in FIG. 5,but depicting a car seat which may be substituted for a liner componentof the rocker;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the rocker shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top, front perspective view of an infant rocker constructedin accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the rocker shown in FIG. 8, butdepicting a front section of the frame as articulated to a stationaryposition;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the frame of the rocker shownin FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the frame of the rocker shownin FIG. 8, the front section of the frame being depicted as articulatedto a carrying position; and

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the frame of the rocker shownin FIGS. 8 and 9, but depicting the front section of the frame asarticulated to a rocking position.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detaileddescription to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating various embodiments of the present invention only, and notfor purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-4 depict a convertible infantrocker 10 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention. As will be discussed in more detail below, the rocker10 includes a bounce adjustment mechanism which may be selectivelyadjusted to alter or vary the magnitude of bounce or vibration withinthe frame of the rocker 10 which may be achieved by an infant or childdisposed therein. As a result, the bounce adjustment mechanism may beadjusted to accommodate children of varying weight. As will also bedescribed in more detail below, it is contemplated that the rocker 10may be converted into a mode which allows the same to be used inconjunction with a conventional infant/child car seat 62.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the rocker 10 comprises a frame 12which is selectively placeable on an underlying support surface 14. Inaddition to the frame 12, the rocker 10 includes the cradle 46 which isoperatively coupled to the frame 12, and a pair of adjustment mechanisms58 which are integrated into the frame 12 and operative to allow for theselective adjustment in the amount of bounce or vibration which theframe 12 may undergo during use of the rocker 10. As shown in FIG. 1,the frame 12 substantially circumscribes the cradle 46, and providessupport thereto. In this regard, it is contemplated that the frame 12will be fabricated from a combination of metal and plastic materials ofsuitable strength and durability.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the frame 12 preferably comprises a frontsection 16. The front section 16 is preferably formed from a singlesegment of a resilient, wire-like material which is bent to assume theshape or configuration shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. In this regard, whenbent, the front section 16 defines a first end portion 17 and a secondend portion 19 which are disposed in spaced relation to each other, andeach elevated above portions of the remainder of the front section 16.Attached to respective ones of the first and second end portions 17, 19is an identically configured pair of first connector hubs 21.Additionally, attached to the front section 16 in a location generallybelow or underneath the first connector hubs 21 is an identicallyconfigured pair of second connector hubs 23. Further, attached to thefront section 16 at respective ones of those locations wherein the frontsection 16 is bent upwardly toward the first and second end portions 17,19 is an identically configured pair of third connector hubs 25. Stillfurther, attached to the arcuately contoured portion of the frontsection 16 extending between the second connector hubs 23 is a non-slipmember or pad 22. Though the front section 16 of the frame 12 ispreferably fabricated from a single segment of wire-like material havingthe connector hubs 21, 23, 25 operatively coupled thereto in theaforementioned manner, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the front section 16 may alternatively be formed from separatesegments of a resilient, wire-like material, with such segments beingextended between and attached to respective pairs of the connector hubs21, 23, 25 as needed to cause the front section 16 to assume the shapeshown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4.

In addition to the front section 16, the frame 12 includes an arcuatelyshaped back section 18 which is pivotally connected to the thirdconnector hubs 25 by a corresponding pair of pivot members 20. As seenin FIG. 2, by virtue of its pivotal connection to the third connectorhubs 25 by the pivot members 20, the back section 18 is selectivelypivotally moveable between a rocking position and a non-rocking orstationary position relative to the front section 16. When the backsection 18 is in its rocking position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 2),the front section 16 of the frame 12 is capable of moving in a rockingmotion upon the support surface 14 which is attributable to the arcuatecontour or profile of those portions of the front section 16 extendingbetween respective pairs of the second and third connector hubs 23, 25.When the back section 18 is moved to its non-rocking position (as shownin phantom in FIG. 2), the frame 12 is effectively prevented fromundergoing any rocking motion. In this regard, the back section 18, likethe front section 16, also preferably includes a non-slip pad 22attached thereto.

In the frame 12, each of the aforementioned adjustment mechanisms 58 ispreferably disposed between a corresponding pair of the first and secondconnector hubs 21, 23 in the manner shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. As bestseen in FIG. 1A, each adjustment mechanism 58 comprises a tubular outersleeve 59 which is attached to a first frame segment 61. The first framesegment 61 of each adjustment mechanism 58 is attached to and extendsdownwardly from one of the first connector hubs 21. In addition to theouter sleeve 59, each adjustment mechanism 58 includes a tubular innersleeve 60 which is threadably engaged to the outer sleeve 59. The innersleeve 60 is attached to a second segment 63 of the adjustment mechanism58 which is attached to and extends upwardly from a respective one ofthe second connector hubs 23. As further shown in FIG. 1A, the first andsecond segments 61, 63 of each adjustment mechanism 58 include distalsleeve portions, with each adjustment mechanism 58 further comprising abiasing member 65 (e.g., a spring) which is partially captured by thesleeve portions of the first and second segment 61, 63, and extendstherebetween. In each adjustment mechanism 58, the outer and innersleeves 59, 60 are rotatably mounted to respective ones of the first andsecond segments 61, 63. Additionally, by virtue of the threadableengagement therebetween, the position of the inner sleeve 60 relative tothe outer sleeve 59, and hence the position of the first and secondsegments 61, 63 relative to each other, may be selectively increased ordecreased. More particularly, the rotation of the inner sleeve 60 in afirst, clockwise direction effectively draws the distal sleeve portionof the second segment 63 toward the distal sleeve portion of the firstsegment 61. Conversely, the rotation of the inner sleeve 60 in a second,counter-clockwise direction effectively increases the distanceseparating the distal sleeve portions of the first and second segments61, 63 from each other. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skillin the art, the movement of the distal sleeve portions of the first andsecond segments 61, 63 toward each other effectively compresses thebiasing member 65 therebetween, with the movement of the distal sleeveportions away from each other allowing the intervening biasing member 65to move back toward a relaxed, uncompressed state. The functionality ofthe adjustment mechanisms 58 within the frame 12 will be described inmore detail below.

In addition to the foregoing components, the frame 12 comprises agenerally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) upper section 48 which isoperatively connected to the front section 16. More particularly, asbest shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, attached to the front section 16 is a firstpair of hangers 66, each of the hangers 66 of the first pair beingattached to the front section 16 between a corresponding pair of thefirst and third connector hubs 21, 25. In addition to being attached tothe front section 16, each of the hangers 66 of the first pair isattached to a respective one of the opposed longitudinal sides of theupper section 48. In addition to the first pair of hangers 66, the frame12 also includes a second pair of hangers 67 which are attached torespective ones of the first connector hubs 21. The hangers 67 of thesecond pair are, like the hangers 66 of the first pair, each attached torespective ones of the opposed longitudinal sides of the upper section48. Thus, the upper section 48 is effectively suspended below a portionof the front section 16 by the hangers 66, 67.

In the rocker 10, the aforementioned cradle 46 is operatively connectedto the frame 12, and in particular to the upper section 48 thereof. Thecradle 46 includes a cradle basket 50 which defines a bottom wall 56 andside walls 54 collectively defining a cavity 57. The cradle basket 50itself preferably has a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular)configuration. The attachment of the cradle basket 50 to the uppersection 48 is preferably facilitated by a pair of straps 52 which areattached to and extend along respective ones of the opposedlongitudinally extending side walls 54 of the cradle basket 50. As seenin FIGS. 3 and 4, the opposed end portions of each of the straps 52 areattached to respective ones of the opposes lateral sides or segments ofthe upper section 48 of the frame 12. As will be recognized, theattachment of the straps 52 to the upper section 48 effectively suspendsthe cradle basket 50 within the frame 12. In the rocker 10, acombination vibration/sound producing device 70 is preferably integratedinto the front lateral side of the upper section 48, i.e., that lateralside of the upper section 48 disposed closest to the hangers 67. The useof the device 70 will be described in more detail below. It is alsocontemplated that the cradle basket 50 may be formed of any one of avariety of materials known by those skilled in the art of requisitedurability. The cradle basket 50 is preferably sized and configured toaccommodate a portion of a car seat 62 as will be discussed in moredetail below in relation to FIG. 4.

The rocker 10 of the present invention further comprises a liner 26which is cooperatively engageable to the cradle 46. The liner 26comprises a liner shell 28 including a bottom wall 36 and side walls 34which collectively define a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular)liner cavity 38. The bottom wall 36 and side walls 34 each transition toa peripheral rim 30 which includes a plurality (e.g., four) integralsupport portions 32 protruding outwardly from respective ones of theopposed longitudinal sides thereof.

In addition to the outer shell 28, the liner 26 includes a padded cover40 which is selectively placeable over a portion of the outer shell 28.More particularly, as seen in FIG. 1, the cover 40 may be mated to theouter shell 28 such that the inner surfaces of the walls 34, 36 and thetop surface of the rim 30 are effectively covered or shielded by thecover 40. It is contemplated that the cover 40 may be provided withthree-point harness 42 to maintain an infant within the liner 26, andhence the rocker 10.

In the rocker 10, the cooperative engagement of the liner 26 to thecradle 46 is facilitated by advancing the outer shell 28 into the cradlecavity 57 and resting the support portions 32 of each adjacent pair upona respective one of the longitudinally extending side walls 54 of thecradle basket 50. Once the liner 26 is cooperatively engaged to thecradle 46 in the aforementioned manner, the liner 26 may be effectivelysecured to the cradle 46 through the use of a fastening strap 74,segments of which are attached to respective ones of the opposedlongitudinal sides of the upper section 48 of the frame 12 in the mannershown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4.

In FIG. 1, the rocker 10 is shown in its liner mode. In the liner modeshown in FIG. 1, the liner 26 is cooperatively engaged to the cradle 46(and hence the frame 12) in the aforementioned manner, the liner 26 andthe cradle 46 collectively defining a support assembly 24 of the rocker10. An infant placed within the liner 26 may be secured therein via theaforementioned three-point harness 42. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, therocker 10 includes a toy bar 64 which may be attached to and extendedbetween the hangers 66 for purposes of entertaining the infant withinthe liner 26. As is apparent from FIGS. 1 and 3, each of the hangers 66defines a tubular sleeve portion which is adapted to receive arespective end portion of the toy bar 64. The toy bar 64 may be detachedfrom the frame 12 of the rocker 10 as desired.

When an infant is placed within the liner 26 of the rocker 10 in theliner mode, and the back section 18 of the frame 12 is moved to itsrocking position, the rocker 10 is able to undergo a gentle rocking orswaying motion attributable to the upward and downward or rockingmovement of the frame 12 relative to the support surface 14. Asindicated above, such rocking movement can be prevented by simply movingthe back section 18 of the frame 12 to its non-rocking position as shownin phantom in FIG. 2. Irrespective of whether the back section 18 is inits rocking or non-rocking position, the infant within the liner 26 ofthe rocker 10 is also capable of experiencing an upward and downward orbouncing motion. Such bouncing motion occurs as a result of theresiliency of the front section 16 of the frame 12 and, in particular,the flexion of those portions of the front section 16 extending betweenthe first and third connector hubs 21, 25 relative to the remainder ofthe front section 16. As will be recognized, the bouncing movement ofthe aforementioned portions of the front section 16 is imparted to theliner 26 and hence the infant by the hangers 66, 67, the upper section48 of the frame 12, and the cradle 46 (including the cradle basket 50and straps 52).

In the rocker 10, the degree or amount of flexion which those portionsof the front section 16 extending between corresponding pairs of thefirst and third connectors 21, 25 may undergo may be selectivelyadjusted or regulated by the above-described adjustment mechanisms 58.In this regard, as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in theart, the greater the distance separating the distal sleeve portions ofthe first and second segments 61, 63 from each other, and hence the lesscompression of the biasing members 65, the greater the amount of flexionthat the front section 16 of the frame may undergo. Conversely, thegreater the compression of the biasing members 56 attributable to themovement of the distal sleeve portions of the first and second segments61, 63 toward each other, the less flexion the front section 16 mayundergo. Thus, as indicated above, the adjustment mechanisms 58 mayadjusted by the rotation of the inner sleeves 60 thereof based on thesize and weight of the infant within the bouncer 10, and in particularthe liner 26 thereof. As previously explained, an infant of greater sizeand weight, which may otherwise cause an excessive level of bounce orvibration within the frame 12 even with subtle movements, may beaccommodated by “tightening” the adjustment mechanisms 58 andcompressing the biasing members 65 so as to reduce the flexion level ofthe front section 16 of the frame 12. On the other hand, an infant ofcomparatively reduced size and weight who may find difficulty inimparting any bounce or vibration within the frame 12 even with moredrastic movements can be accommodated by “loosening” the adjustmentmechanisms 58 and reducing the compression of the biasing members 65.Thus, the rocker 10 finds utility for use in relation to infants ofvarying size and weight.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that each adjustmentmechanism 58 may have a configuration varying from that show in relationto the FIG. 1A without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. For example, the biasing members 65 need notnecessarily comprise a coil spring, but rather may comprise analternative form of spring such as a selectively compressibleelastomeric member. As indicated above, the rocker 10 is preferablyprovided with the vibration/sound producing device 70 which isintegrated into the upper section 48 of the frame 12 thereof. In thisregard, the device 70 may be selectively activated to impart a subtlevibration to the upper section 48 of the frame 12, and hence the liner26 cooperatively engaged thereto. The level of vibration imparted to theframe 12 may be regulated by control buttons 72 included on the device70. The control buttons 72 may also be used to play music or othersoothing sounds from the device 70 at a desired sound level.

As indicated above, the rocker 10 constructed in accordance with thepresent invention may be selectively converted from the liner mode shownin FIG. 1 to a car seat mode as shown in FIG. 4. The transition from theliner mode to the car seat mode simply involves removing the liner 26from within the cradle 46. Upon such removal, the cradle 46, and inparticular the cradle basket 50 thereof, may be used to accommodate aportion of a conventional infant car seat 62. Once the car seat 62 ispartially advanced into the cavity 57 of the cradle basket 50, the carseat 62 may be effectively secured to the cradle 46 through the use ofthe above-described retention belt 74. Thus, the car seat 62 simplyreplaces the aforementioned liner 26, with the functionality of thebouncer 10 having the car seat 62 substituted for the liner 26 being thesame as that described above in relation to the liner mode of the rocker10. With the use of the rocker 10 in the car seat mode, a sleepinginfant need not be removed from the car seat 62 in which the infant mayalready be positioned (and thus disturbed or awakened) in order to beplaced into the rocker 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, there is shown a convertible infant rocker110 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention. The infant rocker 110 is similar to the first embodiment ofthe infant rocker 10 discussed above. The rocker 110 comprises a frame112 which is selectively placeable on an underlying support surface. Inaddition to the frame 112, the rocker 110 includes the cradle 146 whichis operatively coupled to the frame 112, and a pair of adjustmentmechanisms 158 which are integrated into the frame 112 and operative toallow for the selective adjustment in the amount of bounce or vibrationwhich the frame 112 may undergo during use of the rocker 110. As shownin FIG. 7, the frame 112 substantially circumscribes the cradle 146, andprovides support thereto. In this regard, it is contemplated that theframe 112 will be fabricated from a combination of metal and plasticmaterials of suitable strength and durability.

The frame 112 comprises a front section 115. The front section 115comprises a front segment 116 which is preferably formed from a singlesegment of a resilient, wire-like material which is bent to assume thearcuate shape or configuration shown in FIGS. 5-7. In the frame 112, theopposed ends of the front segment 116 are attached to respective ones ofan identically configured pair of first connector hubs 121. In additionto the front segment 116, the front section 115 of the frame 112includes an identically configured pair of arcuate side segments 117,each of which has one end attached to a respective one of the firstconnector hubs 121. Those ends of the side segments 117 opposite thoseattached to the first connector hubs 121 are connected to respectiveones of an identically configured pair of second connector hubs 123.

In addition to the front segment 116 and side segment 117, the frontsection 115 of the frame 112 also includes an identically configuredpair of arcuate, resilient top segments 119, each of which also has oneend attached to a respective one of the first connector hubs 121. Thoseends of the top segments 119 opposite those attached to the firstconnector hubs 121 are connected to respective ones of identicallyconfigured pair of third connector hubs 125. The third connector hubs125 and the ends of the top segments 119 attached thereto collectivelydefine a spaced pair of end portions of the upper section 115 of theframe 112. As seen in FIGS. 5-7, the second connector hubs 123 aredisposed generally below the third connector hubs 125, i.e., the thirdconnector hubs 125 are elevated above the second segments 117 of theframe 112. Attached to the front segment 116 extending between the firstconnector hubs 121 is a non-slip member or pad 122. The front segment116, side segments 117 and top segments 119 of the frame 112 are eachpreferably fabricated from separate segments of a resilient, wire-likematerial, with such segments being extended between and attached torespective pairs of the first, second and third connector hubs 121, 123,125 in the aforementioned manner to assume the overall profile shown inFIGS. 5-7.

The frame 112 further includes an arcuately shaped back section 118which is pivotally connected to the second connector hubs 123 by acorresponding pair of pivot members 120. by virtue of its pivotalconnection to the second connector hubs 123 by the pivot members 120,the back section 118 is selectively pivotally moveable between rockingand non-rocking positions relative to the front section 115 in the samemanner described above in relation to the back section 18 of the frame12 of the infant rocker 10. In this regard, when the back section 118 isin its rocking position (shown in FIGS. 5-7), the arcuately shaped sidesegments 117 of the front section 115 of the frame 112 are capable ofmoving in a rocking motion upon an underlying support surface. When theback section 118 is moved to it non-rocking position, the frame 112 iseffectively prevented from undergoing any rocking motion. In thisregard, the back section 118, like the front segment 116, preferablyincludes a non-slip pad attached thereto.

In the frame 112, each of the aforementioned adjustment mechanisms 158is preferably disposed between a corresponding pair of the second andthird connector hubs 123, 125 in the manner shown in FIGS. 5-7. In therocker 110, the adjustment mechanisms 158 are sized and configured toimpart the same functionality to the rocker 110 as described above inrelation to the adjustment mechanisms 58 of the rocker 10. In thisregard, it is contemplated that the adjustment mechanisms 158 may bestructurally similar or identical to the aforementioned adjustmentmechanisms 58, or may have alternative configurations which are capableof selectively regulating or adjusting the amount of flexion which thetop segments 119 and third connector hubs 125 of the frame 112 mayundergo relative to the remainder of the frame 112.

In addition to the foregoing components, the frame 112 comprises agenerally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) upper section 148 which isattached to and suspended from the third connector hubs 125 by anidentically configured pair of hangers 166. As best seen in FIG. 7, eachof the hangers 166 is operatively connected to a respective one of theopposed longitudinal sides of the upper section 148. Thus, the uppersection 148 is effectively suspended below the third connector hubs 125and portions of the top segments 119 by the hangers 166. In the bouncer110, a combination vibration/sound producing device 170 is preferablyintegrated into the front lateral side of the upper section 148, i.e.,that lateral side of the upper section 148 disposed closest to the firstconnector hubs 121. The use of the device 170 will be described in moredetail below.

In the rocker 110, the aforementioned cradle 146 is operativelyconnected to the frame 112, and in particular to the upper section 148thereof. The cradle 146 includes a cradle basket 150 which defines abottom wall 156 and side walls 154 collectively defining a cavity 157.The cradle basket 150 itself preferably has a generally quadrangular(e.g., rectangular) configuration. It is contemplated that the cradlebasket 150 may be formed of any one of a variety of materials known bythose skilled in the art of requisite durability. The cradle basket 150is preferably sized and configured to accommodate a portion of a carseat 162 as will be discussed in more detail below.

As seen in FIG. 5, the rocker 110 further comprises a liner 126 which iscooperatively engageable to the cradle 146, and possesses structuralattributes similar those described above in relation to the liner 26 ofthe rocker 10. In this regard, it is contemplated that the liner 126will comprise a liner shell (not shown) having a padded cover 140 whichis mated thereto, such cover 140 optionally being provided with athree-point harness to maintain an infant therein. In the rocker 110,the cooperative engagement of the liner 126 to the cradle 146 isfacilitated by advancing a portion of the liner 126 into the cradlecavity 157. Once the liner 126 is cooperatively engaged to the cradle146, the liner 126 may be effectively secured to the cradle 146 throughthe use of a fastening strap 174 which is attached to the frame 122 anddepicted in FIG. 6.

In FIG. 5, the rocker 110 is shown in its liner mode. In the liner mode,the liner 126 is cooperatively engaged to the cradle 146 (and hence theframe 112) in the aforementioned manner. An infant placed within theliner 126 may be secured therein via the aforementioned three-pointharness if the same is included with the cover 140. As seen in FIG. 5,the rocker 110 includes a toy bar 164 which may be attached to andextended between the third connector hubs 125 for purposes ofentertaining the infant within the liner 126. The toy bar 164 may beselectively detached from the frame 112, and in particular the thirdconnector hubs 125, as desired.

When an infant is placed within the liner 126 of the rocker 110 in theliner mode, and the back section 118 of the frame 112 is moved to itsrocking position, the rocker 110 is able to undergo a gentle rocking orswaying motion attributable to the upward and downward or rockingmovement of the frame 112 relative to the support surface. As indicatedabove, such rocking movement can be prevented by simply moving the backsection 118 of the frame 112 to its non-rocking or stationary position.Irrespective of whether the back section 118 is in its rocking ornon-rocking position, the infant within the liner 126 of the rocker 110is also capable of experiencing an upward and downward or bouncingmotion. Such bouncing motion occurs as a result of the resiliency of theframe 112 and, in particular, the flexion of top segments 119 of theframe 112 extending between the first and third connector hubs 121, 125relative to the remainder of the frame 112. As will be recognized, thebouncing movement of the top segments 119 is imparted to the liner 126and hence the infant by the hangers 166, the upper section 148 of theframe 112, and the cradle 146 (including the cradle basket 150).

In the rocker 110, the degree or amount of flexion which the topsegments 119 extending between corresponding pairs of the first andthird connectors 121, 125 may undergo may be selectively adjusted orregulated by the above-described adjustment mechanisms 158. In thisregard, an infant of greater size and weight, which may otherwise causean excessive level of bounce or vibration within the frame 112 even withsubtle movements, may be accommodated by “tightening” the adjustmentmechanisms 158 so as to reduce the flexion level of the top segments 119of the frame 112. On the other hand, an infant of comparatively reducedsize and weight who may find difficulty in imparting any bounce orvibration within the frame 112 even with more drastic movements can beaccommodated by “loosening” the adjustment mechanisms 158 so as toincrease the flexion level of the top segments 119 of the frame 112.Thus, the rocker 110 finds utility for use in relation to infants ofvarying size and weight.

As indicated above, the rocker 110 is preferably provided with thevibration/sound producing device 170 which is integrated into the uppersection 148 of the frame 112 thereof. In this regard, the device 170 maybe selectively activated to impart a subtle vibration to the uppersection 148 of the frame 112, and hence the liner 126 cooperativelyengaged thereto. The level of vibration imparted to the frame 112 may beregulated by control buttons 172 included on the device 170. The controlbuttons 172 may also be used to play music or other soothing sounds fromthe device 170 at a desired sound level.

Like the rocker 10 described above, the rocker 110 constructed inaccordance with the present invention may be selectively converted fromthe liner mode shown in FIG. 5 to a car seat mode as shown in FIGS. 6and 7. The transition from the liner mode to the car seat mode simplyinvolves removing the liner 126 from within the cradle 146. Upon suchremoval, the cradle 146, and in particular the cradle basket 150thereof, may be used to accommodate a portion of a conventional infantcar seat 162. Once the car seat 162 is partially advanced into thecavity 157 of the cradle basket 150, the car seat 162 may be effectivelysecured to the cradle 146 through the use of a retention belt 174,segments of which are attached to the frame 112. Thus, the car seat 162simply replaces the aforementioned liner 126, with the functionality ofthe rocker 110 having the car seat 162 substituted for the liner 126being the same as that described above in relation to the liner mode ofthe rocker 10. With the use of the rocker 110 in the car seat mode, asleeping infant need not be removed from the car seat 162 in which theinfant may already be positioned (and thus disturbed or awakened) inorder to be placed into the rocker 110.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, there is shown a convertible infant rocker210 constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the presentinvention. As will be discussed in more detail below, the infant rocker210, in addition to being convertible between the liner and car seatmodes as described above in relation to the rockers 10, 110, is furtherconfigured to be quickly and easily collapsible for storing the infantrocker 210 during periods of nonuse.

The infant rocker 210 comprises a frame 212 which is selectivelyplaceable on an underlying support surface. The frame 212 includes agenerally U-shaped lower section 216 which is bent to assume a generallyarcuate profile as most easily seen in FIG. 9. Attached to respectiveones of the opposed end portions of the lower section 216 is anidentically configured pair of end connectors 218. As best seen in FIG.8, each of the end connectors 218 is outfitted with a non-slip pad 219which is preferably fabricated from rubber and, when viewed from theperspective shown in FIG. 8, defines the bottom surface of thecorresponding end connector 218.

In addition to the lower section 216, the frame 212 includes an uppersection 220. The upper section 220 includes a generally U-shaped firstsegment 222 and a generally U-shaped second segment 224 which arepivotally connected to each other and to the lower section 216 of theframe 212. The first segment 222 of the upper section 220 includes anidentically configured pair of end connectors 223 attached to respectiveones of the opposed end portions thereof. In the frame 212, the endconnectors 223 of the first segment 222 of the upper section 220 arepivotally connected to respective ones of the end connectors 218 of thelower section 216. As a result, the first segment 222 of the uppersection 220 is selectively pivotally moveable relative to the lowersection 216.

Similar to the first segment 222, the second segment 224 of the uppersection 220 of the frame 212 includes an identically configured pair ofend connectors 225 attached to respective ones of the opposed endportions thereof. The end connectors 225 of the second segment 224 ofthe upper section 220 are each pivotally connected to an actuationmechanism 226 of the rocker 210. In the rocker 210, the actuationmechanism 226 is operatively connected to both the lower and uppersections 216, 220 of the frame 212, with the connection to the uppersection 220 being facilitated via the second segment 224 thereof. Aswill be described in more detail below, the actuation mechanism 226 isoperative to facilitate the selective movement of the frame 212 betweenan extended or deployed position (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) and astorage or collapsed position.

In the rocker 210, the actuation mechanism 226 comprises an elongatecross member 227, the opposed ends of which are defined by respectiveones of an identically configured pair of tubular sleeve portions 228.The sleeve portions 228 of the cross member 227 are slidably advancedover respective ones of the spaced, generally parallel pair of prongportions defined by the lower section 216 in the manner most easily seenin FIG. 9. Extending within the cross member 227 is an identicallyconfigured pair of retention pins (not shown), each of which isoperatively coupled to an actuation handle 232 of the cross member 227which is located in the approximate center thereof. In the rocker 210,the actuation handle 232 is selectively moveable between a lockingposition (shown in FIG. 10) and a release position. The retention pinsare cooperatively engaged to the actuation handle 232 in a mannerwherein the retention pins protrude into the interiors of respectiveones of the sleeve portions 228 when the actuation handle 232 is in itslocking position. Conversely, the movement of the actuation handle 232to its release position effectively draws the retention pins inwardly ina manner wherein they are removed from within the interiors ofrespective ones of the sleeve portions 228. The cross member 227 furtherincludes identically configured ear portions 229 which, from theperspective shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, protrude upwardly from the topsurface of the cross member 227 in relative close proximity torespective ones of the sleeve portions 228. In the frame 212 of therocker 210, the end connectors 225 attached to the opposed end portionsof the second segment 224 of the frame 212 are pivotally connected torespective ones of the ear portions 229.

In the frame 212 of the rocker 210, each of the prong portions of thelower section 216 includes an aperture disposed therein. The aperturewithin one prong portion is further arranged so as to be disposed inopposed relation to the aperture included in the other prong portion.The apertures of such opposed pair are further sized and configured toaccommodate the distal end portions of respective ones of the retentionpins when such retention pins are aligned therewith and the actuationhandle 232 disposed in the locking position to which it is normallybiased.

Further, in the frame 212, the pivotal connection of the first segment222 of the upper section 220 to the second segment 224 thereof occurs atapproximately the mid-sections thereof. More particularly, as is bestseen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the approximate mid-sections of each of the twoprong portions of the first segment 222 are pivotally connected to theapproximate mid-sections of corresponding ones of the prong sections ofthe second segment 224. As explained above, the end connectors 223outfitted on the ends of the prong portions of the first segment 222 ofthe upper section are pivotally connected to respective ones of the endconnectors 218 of the lower section 216, thus facilitating the pivotalconnection of the first segment 222 to the lower section 216 in additionto its pivotal connection to the second segment 224. Along these lines,as also explained above, the end connectors 225 outfitted on the prongportions of the second segment 224 are pivotally connected to theactuation mechanism 226 which is in turn slidably mounted to the lowersection 216 in the aforementioned manner. Thus, the second segment 224,in addition to being pivotally connected to the first segment 222, isalso moveably mounted to the lower section 216 by virtue of its pivotalconnection to the actuation mechanism 226, and in particular the earportions 229 of the cross member 227 thereof.

As also indicated above, in the rocker 210, the frame 212 may beselectively articulated between the deployed position shown in FIGS. 8and 9 and the stowed or collapsed position which is well suited for thestorage or transportation of the rocker 210. The movement of the frame212 from its deployed position to its collapsed position is facilitatedby compressing the actuation handle 232 of the cross member 227 toremove the retention pins from within the corresponding opposed pair ofthe apertures within the prong portions of the lower section 216, andthereafter sliding the cross member 227 along the lower section 216toward the end connectors 218. As will be recognized, the movement ofthe frame 212 from its collapsed position to its deployed position isfacilitated by moving the cross member 227 in the opposite direction,i.e., away from the end connectors 218 of the lower section 216. Thereceipt of the retention pins (which are coaxially aligned with eachother) into respective ones of the opposed pair of apertures disposedwithin the prong portions of the lower section 216 maintains the crossmember 227 of the actuation mechanism 226 in a prescribed positionbetween the prong portions of the lower section 216, such prescribedposition being that which effectively maintains the frame 212 in itsdeployed position.

From the deployed position, the movement of the cross member 227 alongthe prong portions of the lower section 216 toward the end connectors218 effectively places the frame 212 into its stowed or collapsedposition. When the frame 212 is moved to its collapsed position, themovement of the cross member 227 along the prong portions of the lowersection 216 toward the end connectors 218 in turn causes the first andsecond segments 222, 224 of the upper section 220 to pivotally moverelative to each other in a scissor-like fashion, the first and secondsegments 222, 224 eventually extending in side-by-side relation to eachother when the frame 212 is fully collapsed. The lower section 216 isitself pivoted to extend in generally side-by-side relation to the firstand second segments 222, 224 when the frame 212 is fully collapsed. Aspreviously explained, the compression of the actuation handle 232 (i.e.,the movement of the actuation handle 232 to its release position)effectively removes the retention pins from within the opposed aperturesof the lower section 216, thus allowing the cross member 227 to beslidably advanced along the prong portions of the lower section 216toward the end connectors 218 which in turn facilitates the movement ofthe frame 212 from its deployed position to its collapsed position.Conversely, the sliding movement of the cross member 227 away from theend connectors 218 and return of the actuation handle 232 to its lockingposition as occurs upon the advancement of the retention pins intorespective ones of the opposed pair of apertures within the prongportions of the lower section 216 results in the frame 212 reassumingits deployed position.

In the rocker 210, the cross member 227 of the actuation mechanism 226may be outfitted with a locking switch 240 which is normally biased to alocked position, and selectively moveable to an unlocked position. Whenthe locking switch 240 is in its locked position, the actuation handle232 of the actuation mechanism 226 is incapable of being compressed(i.e., moved from its locking position to it release position) as isneeded to effectively remove the retention pins from with the aperturesof the corresponding opposed pair thereof. However, the movement of thelocking switch 240 to its unlocked position allows for the compressionof the actuation handle 232, thus in turn allowing for the movement ofthe cross member 227 along the prong portions of the lower section 216as is needed to facilitate the movement of the frame 212 between itscollapsed and deployed positions. As seen in FIG. 10, the locking switch240 is located on a side of the cross member 227 opposite the side alongwhich the actuation handle 232 is positioned. Due to this arrangement,it is contemplated that the locking switch 240 may be manipulated by thethumb on one hand of a user while the actuation handle 232 issimultaneously manipulated by the remaining four fingers on the samehand of the user.

As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the movement of the frame 212 of therocker 210 to its deployed position by virtue of the receipt of theretention pins of the actuation mechanism 226 into respective ones ofthe apertures within the prong portions of the lower section 216 isassisted by a pair of stopper members 237 which are attached torespective ones of the prong portions of the lower section 216. Moreparticularly, the stopper members 237 are positioned such that theabutment of respective ones of the sleeve portions 228 of the actuationmechanism 226 thereagainst will facilitate the general coaxial alignmentof retention pins of the actuation mechanism 226 with respective ones ofthe apertures of the opposed pair within the lower section 216. Thestopper members 237 also work in concert with the pads 219 of the endconnectors 218 to facilitate the stable support of the rocker 210 uponan underlying support surface.

As seen in FIGS. 8, 9, 11 and 12, the frame 212 of the rocker 210further comprises a front section 240 which is pivotally connected tothe end connectors 218 by a corresponding pair of pivot members 242. Byvirtue of its pivotal connection to the lower section 216 by the pivotmembers 240, the front section 240 is selectively pivotally moveablebetween a rocking position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 12), anon-rocking or stationary position (shown in FIG. 9) and a carryingposition (shown in FIG. 8). When the front section 240 is in its rockingposition, the lower section 216 of the frame 212 is capable of moving ina rocking motion on an underlying support surface, which is attributableto the arcuately contoured profile of the prong portions of the lowersection 216. When the front section 240 is moved to its non-rockingposition, the lower section 216 is effectively prevented from undergoingany rocking motion upon the support surface. The movement of the frontsection 240 to the carrying position shown in FIG. 8 is, in a sense,also a rocking position since it still allows for the rocking movementof the lower section 216 upon an underlying support surface. Themovement of the front section 240 between its rocking, non-rocking andcarrying positions is facilitated by the concurrent application ofcompressive pressure to an outwardly facing pair of actuation buttonsincluded on respective ones of the pivot members 242. It is contemplatedthat the movement of the front section 240 to its carrying position willoccur when the remainder of the frame 212 is actuated to its collapsedposition, the front section 240 providing an easily graspable handle forcarrying the collapsed frame 212 and hence the rocker 210.

The rocker 210 of the present invention further comprises a cradle 246comprising a cradle basket 248 which is operatively connected to theframe 212, and in particular to the first and second segments 222, 224of the upper section 220 thereof. The cradle basket 248 may be formed ofany one of a variety of materials of requisite durability as known tothose skilled in the art. The cradle basket 248 defines a cradle cavitywhich is preferably sized and configured to accommodate a portion of acar seat as will be discussed in more detail below.

The rocker 210 further comprises a liner 250 which is cooperativelyengageable to the cradle 246, and in particular the cradle basket 248thereof. The liner 250 is preferably provided in the form of a paddedcover. In the rocker 210, the cooperative engagement of the liner 250 tothe cradle 246 is facilitated by advancing a portion of the liner 250into the cradle cavity defined by the cradle basket 248. Once advancedinto the cradle basket 248, the liner 250 may be effectively secured tothe cradle 246 and/or the upper section 220 of the frame 212 through theuse of suitable fastening straps. The liner 250 may further optionallybe provided with a two point or three point harness to maintain aninfant therein.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, the rocker 210 is shown in a liner mode. In the linermode, the liner 250 is cooperatively engaged to the cradle 246 (andhence the frame 212) in the aforementioned manner. An infant placedwithin the liner 250 may be secured therein via the aforementionedharness, if the same is included. Though not shown in FIGS. 8 and 12,the rocker 210 may optionally include a toy bar which may be attached toand extended between portions of the upper section 220 of the frame 212for purposes of entertaining an infant within the liner 250.

When an infant is placed within the liner 250 of the rocker 210 in theliner mode, and the front section 240 of the frame 212 is moved to itsrocking position, the rocker 210 is able to undergo a gentle rocking orswaying motion attributable to the upward and downward or rockingmovement of the frame 212 relative to the underlying support surface. Asindicated above, such rocking movement can be prevented by simply movingthe front section 240 of the frame 212 to its non-rocking or stationaryposition. In the rocker 210, it is contemplated that a combinationvibration/sound producing device 270 will be integrated into the frame212, and more particularly into the second segment 224 of the uppersection 220 thereof. In this regard, the device 270 may be selectivelyactivated to impart a subtle vibration to the upper section 220 of theframe 212, and hence the liner 250 cooperatively engaged thereto. Thelevel of vibration imparted to the frame 212 may be regulated by controlbuttons 272 included on the device 270. The control buttons 272 may alsobe used to play music or other soothing sounds from the device 270 atthe desired sound level.

The rocker 210 may also be selectively converted from the liner modeshown in FIGS. 8 and 9 to a car seat mode. The transition from the linermode to the car seat mode simply involves removing the liner 250 fromwithin the cradle basket 248 of the cradle 246. Upon such removal, thecradle basket 248 may be used to accommodate a portion of a conventionalinfant car seat, such as the infant car seat 162 shown and describedabove. Once the car seat is partially advanced into the cavity of thecradle basket 248, the car seat may be effectively secured to the cradle246 through the use of a retention belt 252 shown in FIG. 9. Theretention belt 252 includes segments which are attached to the frame212, and in particular the upper section 220 thereof. Thus, the car seatsimply replaces the aforementioned liner 250, with the functionality ofthe rocker 210 having the car seat substituted for the liner 250 beingthe same as that described above in relation to the liner mode of therocker 210. With the use of the rocker 210 in the car seat mode, asleeping infant need not be removed from the car seat in which theinfant may already by positioned (and thus disturbed or awakened) inorder to be placed into the rocker 210. Since both the cradle basket 248and liner 250 are preferably fabricated from pliable, cloth likematerials, they need not be removed or detached from the frame 212 as aprecursor to the movement of the frame 212 to the collapsed position.

Though not shown in FIGS. 8-12, the frame 212 of the rocker 210 mayfurther optionally be configured to allow for the selective adjustmentin the amount of “bounce” which the upper section 220 may undergorelative the lower section 216. In this regard, the rocker 210 mayinclude an identically configured pair of shock absorbers which areinterposed between respective, corresponding pairs of the end connectors225 and ear portions 229, and/or between corresponding pairs of the endconnectors 218, 223. If included, the shock absorbers would allow theupper section 220 to vibrate or “bounce” relative to the lower section216. It is contemplated that each of the shock absorbers, if included,may be outfitted with structures that allow them to be selectivelytightened or loosened as needed to selectively adjust or regulate theamount of bounce that the upper section 220 of the frame 212 may undergorelative to the lower section 216 thereof when the rocker 210 is in itsoperative, deployed position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation.Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devisevariations that are within the scope and spirit of the inventiondisclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodimentsdisclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with eachother and are not intended to be limited to the specific combinationdescribed herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited bythe illustrated embodiments.

1. An infant rocker adapted for conversion between a liner mode and acar seat mode, the rocker comprising: a frame having a lower section andan upper section which are pivotally movable relative to each otherbetween deployed and collapsed positions; and an infant support assemblycooperatively engaged to the upper section and including: a cradleconnected to the upper section and defining a cradle cavity; and a linerreleasably attached to the cradle and at least partially disposed withinthe cradle cavity when the rocker is in the liner mode; the cradlecavity being sized and configured to accommodate at least a portion of acar seat, the rocker being selectively convertible from the liner modeto the car seat mode by the removal of the liner from the cradle andreplacement thereof with the car seat which is at least partiallydisposable within the cradle cavity of the cradle.
 2. The rocker ofclaim 1 wherein the lower section of the frame is arcuately contoured toallow the frame to achieve a rocking motion when placed upon a generallyplanar underlying support surface.
 3. The rocker of claim 2 wherein theframe further comprises a front section pivotally connected to the lowersection and selectively moveable between rocking and non-rockingpositions relative thereto, the movement of the front section to thenon-rocking position effectively preventing any rocking motion of thelower section upon the support surface.
 4. The rocker of claim 1 whereinthe upper section of the frame includes a vibration device integratedtherein.
 5. The rocker of claim 1 further comprising an actuationmechanism integrated between the upper and lower sections of the frame,the actuation mechanism being configured to facilitate the movement ofthe frame between the collapsed and deployed positions.
 6. The rocker ofclaim 5 wherein: the lower section of the frame includes a pair of prongportions which extend in spaced relation to each other; and theactuation mechanism is slidably mounted to the prong portions of thelower section and operatively coupled to the upper section such that themovement of the actuation mechanism along the prong portions in a firstdirection facilitates the movement of the frame to the deployedposition, and the movement of the actuation mechanism along the prongportions in a second direction opposite the first direction facilitatesthe movement of the frame to the collapsed position.
 7. The rocker ofclaim 6 wherein the actuation mechanism comprises: a cross memberslidably attached to the prong portions of the lower section; anactuation handle mounted to the cross member and selectively movablebetween locking and release positions relative thereto; and a pair ofretention pins movably mounted to cross member and operatively coupledto the actuation handle such that the movement of the actuation handlefrom the locking position to the release position facilitates theconcurrent inward movement of the retention pins relative to the prongportions of the lower section of the frame.
 8. The rocker of claim 7wherein: each of the prong portions includes at least one aperturedisposed therein, with the aperture of one of the prong portions beingarranged so as to be disposed in opposed relation to the apertureincluded in the other one of the prong portions; and the retentions pinsare aligned with and partially advanced into respective ones of theapertures of the opposed pair thereof when the actuation handle is inthe locking position.
 9. The rocker of claim 8 further comprising a pairof stopper members attached to respective ones of the prong portions andpositioned thereon such that the abutment of the cross member againstthe stopper members facilities the alignment of the retention pins withthe opposed pair of the apertures.
 10. The rocker of claim 7 wherein thecross member includes a pair of tubular sleeve portions which areslidably mounted to respective ones of the prong portions andselectively positionable against respective ones of the stopper members.11. The rocker of claim 7 wherein the cross member further includes alocking switch movably mounted thereto and operatively coupled to theactuation handle such that the movement of the locking switch from alocked position to an unlocked positions allows the actuation handle tobe moved from the locking position to the release position.
 12. Therocker of claim 5 wherein the upper section of the frame comprises: afirst segment pivotally connected to the lower section; and a secondsegment pivotally connected to the first segment and to the actuationmechanism; the first and second segments and the lower section extendingin generally side by side relation to each other when the frame is movedto the collapsed position.
 13. An infant rocker, comprising: a frame;and an infant support assembly cooperatively engaged to the frame andincluding a cradle connected to the frame and defining a cradle cavity;the cradle cavity being sized and configured to accommodate at least aportion of one of a liner and a car seat.
 14. The rocker of claim 13wherein the frame comprises a lower section, at least a portion of whichis arcuately contoured to allow the frame to achieve a rocking motionwhen placed upon a generally planar underlying support surface.
 15. Therocker of claim 14 wherein the frame further comprises a front sectionpivotally connected to the lower section and selectively moveablebetween rocking and non-rocking positions relative thereto, the movementof the front section to the non-rocking position effectively preventingany rocking motion of the lower section upon the support surface. 16.The rocker of claim 13 wherein the frame has a lower section and anupper section which are pivotally movable relative to each other betweendeployed and collapsed positions.
 17. The rocker of claim 16 furthercomprising an actuation mechanism integrated between the upper and lowersections of the frame, the actuation mechanism being configured tofacilitate the movement of the frame between the collapsed and deployedpositions.
 18. An infant rocker adapted for conversion between a linermode and a car seat mode, the rocker comprising: a frame having anactuation mechanism integrated therein, the actuation mechanism beingconfigured to facilitate the movement of the frame between collapsed anddeployed positions; and an infant support assembly cooperatively engagedto the frame and including: a cradle connected to the frame and defininga cradle cavity; and a liner releasably attached to the cradle and atleast partially disposed within the cradle cavity when the rocker is inthe liner mode; the cradle cavity being sized and configured toaccommodate at least a portion of a car seat, the rocker beingselectively convertible from the liner mode to the car seat mode by theremoval of the liner from the cradle and replacement thereof with thecar seat which is at least partially disposable within the cradle cavityof the cradle.
 19. The rocker of claim 18 wherein the frame comprises alower section, at least a portion of which is arcuately contoured toallow the frame to achieve a rocking motion when placed upon a generallyplanar underlying support surface.
 20. The rocker of claim 19 whereinthe frame further comprises a front section pivotally connected to thelower section and selectively moveable between rocking and non-rockingpositions relative thereto, the movement of the front section to thenon-rocking position effectively preventing any rocking motion of thelower section upon the support surface.